New to calibration?
Everything is based on measurements. Explore our beginner’s guide to the fundamentals of calibration and why it’s critical for your processes.
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What is calibration?
Metrological calibration is the documented comparison of the measurement device to be calibrated against a traceable reference device. The reference standard (a “calibrator”) is more accurate than the device under test (DUT). Correcting the DUT is called adjustment.
Key takeaway: Calibration is comparing and documenting a device against a traceable reference to ensure measurement validity, safety, and quality.
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How often should you calibrate?
There is no single answer — it depends on multiple factors:
- Criticality of the measurement to process, safety, or quality
- Manufacturer’s recommendation
- Stability history of the instrument
- Regulatory requirements (FDA, ISO…)
- Consequences and costs of a failed calibration (out of tolerance)
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What is metrological traceability?
If calibrations are not traceable, you don’t know if they are correct. Definition: the property whereby a result can be related to a reference through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations, each contributing to measurement uncertainty.
Think of it as a pyramid: plant instruments are calibrated by your process calibrator, which is calibrated by a higher reference standard, up to national/international standards. Break any link and traceability below is lost.